Graffiti – HilaryStyle

November 7, 2017December 9, 2017

What do you say LA? Messages from the Street (Art That Is)

Its A LivingTogether Mural DTLA Los Angeles California

The street art scene in Los Angeles has gone viral, one can hardly turn a corner, drive down the street, or grab a coffee without running into yet another fabulous work of art. I recently read a Bombing Science article, which listed the top 99 instagrammable cities in the world for graffiti, and It came as no suprise to me that Los Angeles, at #6, was ranked in the top 10. If you’ve been following my instagram feed you’ll know that I definitely contributed to that ranking.

Expression through art is nothing new, but with today’s social media phenomenon artists now have the ability to get their message to more people than ever before. While at times I get annoyed by the competitive nature of social media, I do love the ability to discover so much amazing art, not just here in LA, but around the world.

All this positive exposure has definitely helped to bring about the mainstream acceptance of an art form that was at one time considered vandalism and nothing more. Whether it be loving, Inspirational, motivational, cheerful, political, bitter or just plain fun the street art in LA is sending a message. The question is are we listening?

Social Fatigue Media

This fun mural can be found in Downtown LA’s Little Tokyo. I just love the message @dmirworld is sending, and the moment I saw this I just knew I had to share. For me the message is so clear. It’s crazy how we get so wrapped up in social media and whether or not someone else appreciates/loves what we choose to share. I share what brings me joy and I hope that it will do the same for others!

Little Tokyo Village

Street Art Little Tokyo Los Angeles California

Love Notes

James Goldcrown’s #bleedinghearts love walls are some of the most popular expressions of love in LA, but you’ll find messages of love all over town!

James GoldCrown Street Art Los Angeles California — J. Goldcrown Alfred’s Coffee Melrose

Street Art Los Angeles California — Gina Flo w/ Beautify Earth Melrose and Western.

No longer available

Main Street Venice

Motivation, Inspiration and Imagination

Much to my delight there are messages of inpsiration and motivivation everywhere! I get so excited when I come upon something new, which is just about every time I go out and about! Like these angel wings I stumbled upon just the other day while exploring the Fashion District.

The first Angel Wings were painted on Traction Avenue in the DTLA Arts District, but lucky you they can now be found all over the world! These are just a few of the many wings located here in the City of Angels. Check the official Collette Miller Angel Wings map to see if there are any near you!

Collette Miller Angel Wings Street Art Los Angeles California

Temporary Installation

Collab with Collette Miller and WRDSMTH

The Original Angel Wings

WRDSMTH’s positive words of widom can be found everywhere in the City of Angels, as well as around the world. He recently held a solo art show featuring canvases and prints of some of his most popular street art, and I happily attended.

Here are a mix of images some from the show and some from the street.

Faisdodo

WRDSMTH street art Los Angeles California

Melrose Avenue

Washinton Blvd Venice

Washington Blvd Venice

Artist: WRDSMTH The Hanger on Centinella

Sound Advice

Looking for some advice? Don’t worry you’re covered:

Street Art Windward Avenue Los Angeles California — Unknown Windward Avenue Venice Beach

Be confident! Women get sh*t done!

Street Art Pico Boulevard Los Angeles California — Beautify Earth Collaboration Pico Boulevard Mural Trail

Explore your surroundings. Life is full of wonderment!

Street Art Venice Art Walls Los Angeles California — Unknown Venice Art Walls

Wish your dream!

Street Art DTLA Los Angeles California — Megzany Arts District Co-Op

Be the best version of you! Be happy with it!

Sidewalk Sayings

These little sayings are all over the sidewalk in LA. Some are more postitive/friendly than others, however, if like the message says, you don’t look up from your phone now and again you’re bound to miss them. At least that’s how I choose interpret it!

Artist: Thrashbird Downtown LA Arts District

Politics Politics Politics

I generally gravitate toward more positive messages when it comes to taking photos of street art, but these political murals can be found all over town. Written words or not, their messages are clear.

Political Street Art Los Angeles California — Kai Melrose Avenue

Market Street Venice

Venice Art Walls

Ocean Front Walk Venice

Keep Your Head Up

After all life it… aint easy…

but if you reflect…

forgive…

Street Art South Central Los Angeles California — Mike Norice South Central Los Angeles

and pay it forward…

from the dirt a flower must grow!

Street Art Melrose Avenue Los Angeles California — Unknown Melrose Avenue

I literally can’t keep up with all the fabulous new art going up in this town, but I’m having a great time trying! Having already written a number of posts on LA’s street art scene I’ve done my best to feature all new images in this post! I hope you enjoy!

To discover more fun street art pieces around LA check out these related posts:

Downtown Los Angeles Graffiti & Mural Walking Tour

InstaLA! 15 Places to Snap Those InstaGood Pics

InstaLA! Part 2: #WallAntics

InstaLA! Part 3: Art Explosion

Venice Art Walls: Caution Wet Paint

Los Angeles, How I ❤️ Thee…

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May 30, 2017December 5, 2017

Venice Art Walls: Caution Wet Paint

If you’ve been reading my blog, you’ll know that I’m a fan of street art! I spend a good amount of my free time seeking out and enjoying the murals and graffiti art throughout Los Angeles, and lately, any other city I visit. Lucky for me there’s no shortage in LA! Although, It was my visit to Lisbon a few years ago that really awakened my love of this art genre and since then I’ve been hard at work curating my collection!

I love art museums too, but there’s something so wonderful about a giant piece of art out there in the open for everyone to enjoy. You might just see it out of the corner of your eye as you walk or drive by, but if you do have the time or inclination, its there for you to admire at your leisure any time of day or night. Stay as long as you’d like, or take a photo, but either way, its there for your enjoyment, no walls, opening hours, admission, or strings attached!

LA’s Mural Moratorium

In my quest to see the art I’ve learned a ton about the culture and the artists behind these amazing paintings, but that wasn’t always possible and even now, many graffiti and mural artists are anonymous, preferring instead to use pseudonyms, in order to protect their identities.

Today there are countless murals throughout the city of LA, but there was a period of 10 years, referred to as the Mural Moratorium, where it was illegal to paint any kind of fine art mural. Anywhere. Even on private property. The penalties included steep fines and even jail time. Many artists chose to move away…

During my art seeking adventures, I’ve often wondered what it would be like to be a street or graffiti artist, to create a mural, or paint the side of a building when no one was looking…

The Venice Public Art Walls

Thanks to the Venice Public Art Walls, I’m able to find out, and it’s legal!

The Venice Art Walls are all that’s left of the Venice Pavilion, and while there has always been graffiti on the walls at this location, it wasn’t until 2000 that painting them became legal. 2017 is the 10 year anniversary of the name Venice Public Art Walls. The LA Mural Moratorium officially ended in 2013!

The Walls are transformed from week to week by amateurs and professionals alike. One of my favorite Monday morning activities is riding my bike along the beach path to the Art Walls, so I can see what’s new!

Sometimes I see familiar characters, like Snoopy the dog, or Frosty the Snowman, other times, its giant ice cream, or corn on the cob. There are countless sayings, some hopeful, some not, occasionally there are memorials, but no matter what it always smells like fresh paint!

While I haven’t had a chance to leave my mark yet, I did purchase some cans, and did a little practicing at home. Are you interested in making your mark? Every wondered what it might be like to be a graffiti artist? Feeling creative, grab a can and join the fun!

Tips & Advice:

You’ll find the Venice Public Art Walls just west of Windward Street on the other side of Ocean Front Walk and the bike path, just adjacent to the Venice Beach Skatepark. The approximate address is: 1800 Ocean Front Walk
The Walls are always open for viewing, 7 days a week, but painting is only allowed on Saturday and Sundays on a first come first serve basis between 10 am and 5 pm.
A free permit is required before you can paint. Do not paint without one or it will be considered graffiti and you can be fined.
Before you can get your permit you’ll need to fill out the Artist Agreement. Permits are given on site.
Children under 18 require the presence of an adult, and should only use brushes and rollers when painting.
Do get plastic gloves and a mask. Do not wear anything you care about.
Did you know that spray can nozzles come in different sizes for better control?
Pressing down on the nozzle for extended periods of time is harder than it looks!
The Art Walls are available for filming and private events. These photos are from an Autism Fundraiser.

Do grab a coffee at Menotti’s or a bite at The Wee Chippy, both within walking distance, before or after you create your work of art!

Maybe you’re not interested in creating? The Venice Public Art Walls are also a great place to catch the sunset!

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April 11, 2017July 18, 2018

InstaLA! Part 2: #WallAntics

Attention #dreamers, wanna be #angels, #lovers, and #wildthings, are you ready for some #instafun?! I hope so, because I enjoyed putting together my previous InstaLA post and the ensuing #wallantics so much, I decided a part two was in order.

#lovewall by Artist J. Goldcrown on Montana Avenue in Santa Monica

From Santa Monica, to Silver Lake, Mar Vista to Venice Beach, Melrose to Downtown LA, and everywhere in between, there is no shortage of fun to be found in and around the City of Angels and I’m so excited to share this next round of #insta favorites and their locations with all of you! While some of these might be familiar, I’m hoping there will be a few surprises as well!

Getting a photo isn’t as easy as it looks… Incase you need some Insta inspiration, check out this incredibly silly video of me at the Paul Smith LA Pink Wall… trust me when I tell you I wasn’t the only one…

16 Fun Instagram Locations in and Around LA!

1. Rock Paper Scissors Building
Artist: Risk Rock Location: The corner of Broadway and Cloverfield, Santa Monica

Occupied by post production company, Rock Paper Scissors, the “graffiti” building on the corner of Cloverfield and Broadway, recently received a fresh coat of paint! Take the time to walk all the way around!

2. The Swan Stairs Flight #2
Artist: The Painted Line Mural Co. Location: 2958 Swan Place, Los Angeles

Named for their location, the Swan Stairs were painted in 2015 by The Painted Line Mural Co. and are separated into three different flights totaling 287 steps. Each flight of stairs is unique with different shapes and colors.

3. The Swan Stairs Flight #3
Artist: The Painted Line Mural Co. Location: 1784 Rotary Drive, Los Angeles

The final of the three Swan Place flights, and my favorite, showcases a quote from the band the Decembrists: “Los Angeles, I’m Yours.”

4. Alfred Coffee
Location: 33371/2 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles

Alfred Coffee has become something of an LA institution, and rightfully so! Their coffee is excellent! They have multiple locations throughout town, each with it’s own unique decor. This particular location happens to be conveniently located near the Hidden Stairways of Silver Lake…

5. Dreamer
Artist: Ruben Rojas Location: Walgrove Ave and Palms Blvd., Mar Vista Los Angeles

The minute I discovered this recent street art addition to the Mar Vista neighborhood, I just knew I had to see it in person. I love the bright colors and positive message created by artist Ruben Rojas as part of the Beautify Earth initiative.

6. Abbot Kinney Boulevard
Artist: The Art of Chase & Hashim Thomas Location: 1400 block of Abbot Kinney, Venice

Beyond world class shopping, great food, and overall good vibes, Abbot Kinney is a treasure trove of fabulous art, like this fun mural painted by The Art of Chase. Be sure to walk down both sides of the street, so you don’t miss anything!

7. Barry’s Boot Camp
Artist: Kelsey Montague Location: 1500 Lincoln Blvd., Los Angeles

No matter how many times you drive up and down Lincoln Boulevard there is always something new to discover! My latest discovery was these fabulous wings painted by Kelsey Montague. Of course I had to stop… #whatliftsyou

8. Collete Miller Angel Wings
Artist: Colette Miller Location: Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles

With multiple locations around LA, and the world, there’s a pretty good chance you’ve heard of Colette Miller’s Wings! This particular pair, which are located on Melrose Avenue were pretty busy, with a long line of Instagrammers anxiously waiting their turn.

9. Where the Wild Things Are Wall Mural
Artist: PDB Crew Location: 7629 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles

My little one was really excited when he recognized these characters from one of his favorite stories, Where the Wild Things Are, painted larger than life on the side of a wall! He happily posed for this shot, and in fact he requested we have it printed. It now hangs in his bedroom!

10. American Vintage Wall
Artist: Adam Dare Location: 7575 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles

The entire American Vintage shop is covered in fabulous wall art! Big small, pasted, painted, you name it! Artists of all kinds leave their mark here and it’s definitely worth a visit. There’s some pretty neat stuff inside the shop too!

11. Arts District Co-op
Artist: Royal Location: 453 Colyton St, Los Angeles

I’m crazy about the DTLA Arts District and no trip would be complete with a visit to the Arts District Co-Op. Not only will you find loads of #insta opportunities on the outside, the inside is pretty great too!

12. Kiss The One You Love… Mural
Artist: WRDSMTH Location: 300 S Santa Fe Ave, Los Angeles

I’m a big fan of WRDSMTH! He often uses a “typewriter” stencil to convey his very positive WRDs of wisdom, but went a different route this time. Might be a fun place to pose with your sweetheart?!

13. Cafe Gratitude Love Is…
Artist: J. Goldcrown Location: 300 S Santa Fe Ave, Los Angeles

While I felt I might be pressing my luck if I asked for an action shot in front of WRDSMTHs mural, I thought I might have a good shot with this one just across the way! You might recognize these #bleedinghearts from my previous InstaLA post as they’re in multiple locations around town!

14. Colette Miller Angel Wings – The Very First Pair!
Artist: Colette Miller Location: Traction and Hewitt in the Arts District, Los Angeles

These are the wings that started it all, and considering how temporary street art can be, its pretty amazing that they are still there. Every pair is unique, why not make a stop at each one if you can?

15. Artist & Craftsman Supply
Artist: Kurt Thompson Location: 1660 S La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles

The Mondrian style wall on the side of the Artist & Craftsman Supply in mid-city is one of LA’s most popular #InstaWalls!

16. Chinese Laundry Headquarters
Artist: @itsaliving Location: 3485 La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles

Last but not least, is my most recent discovery, and one of my favorites, the fabulous California Dreaming wall located at the company headquarters of Chinese Laundry!

Now that we’ve taken so many pics and had so much fun in the process, what will we do with all the photos? I mean, beyond post them on Instagram? Make our own wall art of course!

Los Angeles is a veritable treasure trove of art and fun! The more I search the more I find, so don’t be surprised if there’s an InstaLA! 3 in the future…

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Take me with you!

Would you like directions to all these fabulous places? Why not take me with you! you can download this and other fun hilarystyle articles using the GPSmyCity app!

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March 28, 2017October 7, 2018

Downtown Los Angeles Graffiti & Mural Walking Tour

A self described urban girl, art lover, and travel addict one of my favorite pastimes is “collecting” street art. It’s a hobby I picked up a few years ago, while traveling in Portugal. Over the past few years, I’ve been lucky enough to have collected some great “pieces” from cities around the world, Glasgow, London, Paris and Seattle to name just a few*.

Lucky for me Los Angeles has no shortage of local and international artists who are literally painting the town, enabling me to continue collecting even when I’m not on the road! I like to think of it as sort of a worldwide treasure hunt, and along the way, I’ve come to know and love the styles of many artists, recognizing their unique styles on sight.

#WRDSMTH — WRDSMTH is a favorite! I ❤️ his positive messages!

The scale, accessibility and temporary nature of street art are all part of its draw, and thanks to social media it’s easier than ever to follow and find new works by some of my favorite artists. When I do discover a fun new piece there’s no time to waste, as one never knows how long it will be on “display.” Legal, or not, you never know when it might be tagged, buffed over, or even torn down.

#WRDSMTHBandit — This Bandit / WRDSMTH collaboration has since been buffed over.

I’ve been doing a pretty good job of discovering pieces on my own, but recently I decided to enlist a little help, and signed up for a graffiti/mural walking tour in Downtown Los Angeles.

#dtlaartstour — The Tour Starts Here out side of Dejavita Boutique!

A walking tour of DTLA was the perfect way to view the city’s vibrant mural and graffiti scene and get a feel for the neighborhood. Not only did we view amazing works of art, but we learned about the street art culture including, the techniques, territory, hierarchy and lingo of these incredibly talented artists. It was fascinating and I could go on and on, but let’s get to the art!

Colyton Street

Your tour begins and ends on Colyton Street just outside of Dejavita and Shreebs Coffee in the Arts District. The tours are led by local artists, and I’m sure just like their art, they all have their own style. Our guide started by giving us a quick lesson in street art vocabulary, “rules” and the history of the area.

Colette Miller Angel Wings

That’s one big typewriter!

Reluctant Angel

We were excited to come back and explore this area after the tour, taking tons of photos and poking in and out of the various shops. I love the DTLA Arts Co-op, which sells local art, jewelry and clothing, some of which is based on art you might recognize from the tour.

The Container Yard

#bumblebeelovesyou — Bumblebeelovesyou & Mikael Brandup

Sadly, you won’t be able to see this Bumbleelovesyou and Mikael B. collaboration, as it’s been painted over. However, you can see the fresh new piece by Deferism, which took its place along with many other fantastic murals, which are located at the Container Yard, an undefined collaborative art space, in the heart of the DTLA Arts District and one stop on the tour. Other stops on the tour were located along Traction Avenue, at The Angel City Brewery, and along 3rd Street. There was so much amazing art it was hard to decide which pieces to share…

Christina Angelina

Nychos

Tristan Eaton

Royal Dog

Traction Avenue

Trixster

Angel City Brewery

Paste Up Wall Angel City Brewery

Shepard Fairey

3rd Street

Shepard Fairey

Kim West

The Lingo

Angels – Famous or respected graffiti artists who have died. Sometimes represented by tags or tributes with halos above them.

Crew – A group of artists who regularly collaborate often in the same part of town. Examples of local crews: UTI and Mad Society Kings

Legal Walls – Walls, buildings or neighborhoods where artists are encouraged to create graffiti. The ability to create without having to look out for the police means larger and more creative pieces.

Colyton Street DTLA Los Angeles California — Legal Wall behind Dejavita

Mural – A huge work, often on a legal wall. It might be done by an individual, an informal group, or a crew.

Piece or Masterpiece – Short for “masterpiece.” The term is frequently used to describe a more labor-intensive work.

Stencil – A design cut into heavy paper or cardboard, then spray-painted onto a wall. A stencil may be a phrase, an image, or a combination thereof.

Tag – A stylized name or signature done with various materials, such as a marker or an aerosol spray can, often freehand.

Throw up – A tag or small “piece” thrown up in a hurry, often located down low.

Toy(s) – A derogatory term referring to either poor workmanship, or an inexperienced writer. Going over or “toying” someone else’s work is an act of disrespect. An acronym meaning Tag Over Your Shit.

Wheatpaste/ Pasteup – A type of street art which is literally pasted onto the wall using an adhesive made from flour and water.

Woodup – Similar to a paste up, however the stencil is imprinted on wood and then pasted up. This little guy, Nicky Nailed It, is literally everywhere in Los Angeles, often in the least expected places!

Tips & Advice:

The Downtown LA Graffiti and Mural tour is offered on Thursdays and Saturdays at 11:30 am. The cost is $12.
Reserve your tickets in advance online.
The tour starts outside of Dejavita Boutique at 533 Colyton Street.
You’ll walk around 2 miles over the course of 2.5 hours.
You will be continuously walking and standing for the majority of the tour. It might might not appeal to younger children.
Proper attire and walking shoes highly recommended.
After the tour, consider exploring the area on your own…

You never know what you might find!

Work in progress

Lady Aiko

Kid Wiseman

Risk Rock

Fnnch

WRDSMTH

Anti Girl

The Most Famous Artist

Klassy

Padhia Avocado

*As you can see my street art collection has grown substantially in recent months, and I’m still collecting, so stay tuned for more discoveries from both near and far…

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February 14, 2017December 5, 2017

Los Angeles, How I ❤️ Thee…

I ❤️ LA, and clearly I’m not alone! From Venice Beach to the streets of Downtown and everywhere in between! Love is everywhere in the City of Angels!

And while some might complain that it’s too big, too smoggy, or too congested, there’s a reason 45+ million people found a reason to visit in the last year. With mild weather and endless possibilities it’s no wonder that Los Angeles is the ❤️ of Southern California.

Sharing The Love

Join me on a whirlwind photo tour showcasing just some of the fun and he(Art)s I’ve discovered throughout the LA LA Land that I love.

Venice Beach

Like the sign says, I ❤️ Venice, and not just for the cheap sunglasses and great people watching! I just can’t get enough of the good weird that is Venice!

Thinking about a new pair of shades? Have you considered heart shaped?

Who doesn’t love candy, hearts and selfies, but especially selfies with candy hearts?!

Venice is a work in progress, always changing, so whether you’re, driving, biking or walking, keep your eyes open! Even Muhammad Ali is showing the love.

Washington Boulevard

WRDSMTH’s inspirational pieces can be found throughout Los Angeles and the world. ❤️

Windward Avenue

While out biking one morning Marioe’s bright red heart caught my eye !

Abbot Kinney Boulevard

We often find ourselves in the Aviator Nation shop on Abbot Kinney Boulevard! And it’s not just because we love their ping pong table… Their loungewear is pretty awesome too!

Artist J. Goldcrown’s #bleedinghearts #lovewall is a favorite among tourists and locals alike!

Santa Monica Pier

I came across these brave and confident lovelies sharing the #bodylove on the Santa Monica Pier one afternoon!

Culver City

Artist Curtis Kulig’s Love Wall at Smashbox Studios in Culver City isn’t exactly on the beaten path, but it’s bright happy message is worth a detour, especially if you’re with someone you love!

Museum Mile

If you’re a car lover, than you might like to visit Herbie the Love Bug who lives at the Peterson Automotive Museum on the Museum Mile!

Silver Lake Neighborhood

It was love at first sight when I saw the not so “secret” Micheltorena Stairs while out exploring the Silver Lake neighborhood with my boys!

We just had to stop at take a family photo underneath this happy message of love painted by artist and writer Dallas Clayton on the wall at Dangerbird Records on Sunset Boulevard!

Downtown Los Angeles

The change to Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA) in the past decade is unbelievable and IMHO it’s all for the better! Not only will you find amazing art everywhere (more on that in a future post), but there are fabulous brewery’s, restaurants, shopping, markets and more! I LOVE DTLA!

This lovely street art heart is on the side of the Angel City Brewery.

Literally, art on the street, these fun little stencils can be found just about everywhere around town. I’m particularly fond of the official kissing spot!

This new piece by artist Adam Dare was finished in October 2016 and it says, Love is Love. I couldn’t agree more! It’s located just outside the Dejavita boutique in the DTLA Arts District. What I don’t love… cars parked in front of the art, but it is LA, and we do love our cars!

Can’t get enough of J. Goldcrown’s #bleedinghearts? You can visit them in DTLA at Cafe Gratitude!

With Love
xo

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October 13, 2015October 30, 2017

Lisbon! Is It Graffiti Or Is It Art?

I really had no preconceived ideas about what to expect on our recent trip to Lisbon, however I can say I wasn’t expecting a city covered in Graffiti. It was everywhere and when I say everywhere I mean EVERYWHERE!

Thankfully, I’m not just talking about your standard tagging and rude obscenities written on bathroom walls or the side of public transportation, don’t get me wrong there is plenty of that too, but this is something else entirely.

This is ART… and its good!

And it’s not just in the “bad” neighborhoods either.

During our wanderings we came upon a number of areas where entire buildings and even city blocks were completely covered with amazing paintings. I wondered, is this sanctioned? Do the city officials actually like it? Do people paint these large murals in the middle of the night? How did they get up there to paint that?

There was no mention of Lisbon’s Street art in any of the guides I read, but once I returned back to the states I did a bit of poking around on the internet and discovered that it’s quite a big deal! Like most major cities street art and graffiti have been in Lisbon for decades. However, in recent years their have been several different initiatives that were designed to help revive various parts of the city and at the same time give a boost to the urban art scene. Street artists came from around the world to participate!

If you’re planning a trip to Lisbon and are interested in seeing this amazing art there are official Street Art tours, but we managed to happen upon a lot of the locations while wandering around.

For answers to some of my above questions, check out this article about the Graffiti Grannies of Lisbon!